Tata Punch vs Tiago: The Familial Feud

If you want to buy a compact Tata car, the Tiago and the recently launched Punch should figure on your list. Both are comfy enough for four occupants, come with a decent set of features, and have the same 86PS 1.2-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual and AMT options.  

But what happens when you switch them from their commuter roles to ultimate performance machines? To find that out, we strapped the VBOX to the models’ manual variants and headed to our test location.

Here are the all-important numbers:

The Punch is 53kg heavier than the Tiago, which tips the scales at 982kg. This plays spoilsport for the SUV while going from 0-100kmph. That said, the Punch’s trump card is its ram air-intake that ensures better airflow to the engine. This tech does help the SUV, considering it clocked a much faster time during roll-on acceleration.  

But does this help in fuel efficiency within city limits as well? Take a look at the numbers that matter:

Sadly, the heavier weight of the Punch plays spoilsport once again in this test. The micro SUV is 1.26kmpl and 1.97kmpl less fuel-efficient than the Tiago in the city and highway, respectively. 

When it comes to performance and fuel efficiency, the Tiago wins this test. But that’s not to say the Punch is bad as it does a decent job in the real world. You can check out our in-depth first drive review of the Tata Punch to know what we thought of the micro SUV.